《上清大洞九宫朝修秘诀上道》

The practitioner may visualize the interior of the body as nine palaces of Shen (spirit) and successively visualize the deities among them.

The Four Palaces of the Female One are established from below to above, one palace every inch. At the one-inch place is the Jade Thearch Palace, in which the Divine Mother of Jade Clarity resides, located one inch above between the two Dongming clamps. At the two-inch place is the Heavenly Court Palace, in which the Perfected Maiden of Highest Clarity resides, located two inches above between the two Dongni clamps. At the three-inch place is the Ultimate Truth Palace, in which the Imperial Lord of Great Tenuity resides, located three inches above between the two Niliu clamps. At the four-inch place is the Grand August Palace, in which the Consort of the Grand August Lord resides, located four inches above between the two Liuxuan clamps.

The Five Palaces of the Male One are likewise located according to the inch measurements. At the one-inch place is the Hall of Light Palace, in which the Great Emperor of Longevity resides; at the two-inch place is the Inner Chamber Palace, in which the Central Yellow Elder Lord resides; at the three-inch place is the Dantian (energy center) Palace, in which the Primordial Sovereign resides; at the four-inch place is the Flowing Pearl Palace, in which the Supreme Lord of the Dao (the Way) resides; at the five-inch place is the Mysterious Cinnabar Palace, in which the Jade Emperor resides.

The first of the upper Dao methods for the Hall of Light Palace: the Hall of Light Palace is situated three inches inward into the bone from the inner corners of the two eyebrows. The left side is called the Crimson Terrace and Azure Chamber, the right side the Yellow Palace Gate and Purple Door.

The Crimson Terrace uses red jade for the terrace and azure jade for the chamber; inside there is a great deity wearing azure brocade clothing and holding a flowing-gold fire-bell, named Zhengxin, styled Qiefang. The Yellow Palace Gate uses yellow jade for the terrace and purple jade for the chamber; inside there is likewise a great deity wearing yellow brocade clothing and holding a flowing-gold fire-bell, named Pingjing, styled Fawang.

The two deities sit formally therein, exhaling from their mouths azure, yellow, and purple three-colored cloudy Qi (vital energy) in order to obstruct all sorts of perverse and demonic Qi. If a sound like the ringing of metal and the vibration of jade is heard in the ears, it signifies that an outside affair has entered the palace. The two deities will then strike the golden bell and jade sounding-stone to give warning to the nine palaces. At this time one ought to quickly rub the two hands until they are hot, cover the ear gates, knock the teeth nine times, hold the breath, and silently recite the incantation in the mind:

The Infant (Chizi), the inner Shen (spirit) within the body, dwells peacefully in the palace, while the Nine Palaces (Jiugong), the nine residences of spirits in the human body, are situated within the inner chambers. Heed the numinous mandate to drive out inauspicious forces; Taiyi (the Great One), a Daoist deity, unleashes flowing fire to eliminate disasters and dispel calamities.

After reciting the incantation, if the face feels hot, this is taken as the arrival of pathogenic Qi. One should immediately visualize the two spirits hurling forth the Flowing Gold Fire Bells (Liujin Huoling), a miraculous implement in Daoist visualization practices, letting the fire bells fly out from between the eyebrows. After a moment, rub the hands until warm and cover the ears. If the head and face gradually grow warm, the pathogenic Qi is considered to have departed; if a chilling coldness still lingers, knock the teeth nine times, silently recite the incantation three times in the heart, and visualize the two spirits spreading the Flowing Gold Fire Bells throughout the Niwan Palace (Niwan Gong), the spiritual residence in the head, whereupon the pathogenic Qi will immediately leave. Then lie down briefly, and recovery will follow.

One inch inward from between the eyebrows is called the Mingtang Palace (Mingtang Gong). On the left is the image of the sun, nine fen in diameter, emitting nine rays of purple light; on the right is the image of the moon, one cun in diameter, emitting ten rays of yellow light. In the palace resides the Divine Lord of the Bright Mirror, whose appearance is like that of a newborn infant, clad in green brocade, wearing the Flowing Gold Fire Bells, and holding a red jade mirror in his mouth from which red light shines. He is an emanation of the Great Emperor Lord of Longevity (Changsheng Dadi Jun), titled True Lord of Mingtang (Mingtang Zhenjun), named Siming, with the courtesy name Zhaojing. To the left is the True Lord of the Bright Youth, whose form resembles the Emperor Lord, an emanation of Elder Hanjun, named Xuanyang, courtesy name Shaoqing; to the right is the True Lord of the Bright Maiden, whose form likewise resembles the Emperor Lord, named Xuanyin, courtesy name Shaoyuan.

The practitioner calls the names of the three divine lords three times, knocks the teeth nine times, and then silently recites in the mind: “Purple portals, azure chambers, within which a great spirit governs the laws. Entering the Mingtang, Xuanming Yuanqing, Siming Zhaojing, seated to preside over the Mingtang, holding a jade mirror in the mouth, cutting off inauspiciousness. The Flowing Gold Fire Bells eliminate perils and dispel calamities.”

When walking at night, one may visualize the three divine lords illuminating the road with their red jade mirrors, as though light is shining forth. After visualizing for some time, the path will naturally become bright. Should one encounter vicious persons, evil ghosts, pass by heretical shrines, or enter areas haunted by bandits, visualize the three divine lords together with the Flowing Gold Fire Bells to drive out inauspiciousness, eliminate disasters, and avert misfortune.

If traveling at night, visualize in the mind the Three Lords (the three honored deities of Daoism) holding a red jade mirror to illuminate the road, as if light is shining upon it. After a while, the way ahead will naturally become bright. If one encounters vicious people or evil ghosts, or passes by an evil temple or a place where bandits appear, visualize the Three Lords shaking the red jade mirror, from which a thunder-like sound is emitted, causing soldiers, bandits, and evil ghosts all to be struck down.

If one encounters pestilential evil Qi (vital energy), or if the body feels alternately cold and hot, dry and uncomfortable, visualize the Three Lords shaking the jade mirror forty-nine times. A great fire is produced from the mirror, which burns and refines the entire body. After a while, the body will become warm and sweat, and the illness will improve accordingly. If one lacks food and water while traveling, visualize the Three Lords shaking the red jade mirror thirty-six times, the red Qi within the mirror transforming into a red liquid. Press the tongue against the upper palate so that the mouth fills with saliva, without swallowing it at first; after a moment, when a sensation of warmth arises, swallow it in three portions. Perform this three times, and it is said that hunger and thirst will be dispelled.

If one hears in the ears for no reason sounds resembling the combing of hair, the raising of waves, or the beating of drums, this is regarded as a sign that the body is fatigued and a serious illness may be about to occur. One should immediately burn incense, lie supine in a quiet room, and visualize the Three Lords shaking the jade mirror twenty-four times. Red Qi pervades the entire body, transforming into a great fire that refines the body until it is thoroughly red. After some time has passed, the illness will be eliminated.

If one sees patches of blood for no reason, or smells a bloody odor, this is regarded as an omen of military disaster, unexpected calamity, or ominous misfortune. One should immediately observe zhai purification and enter the chamber, having no contact with the outside, and pray for protection from the Three Primes Emperor Lords and the Hall of Light Three Lords (honored deities associated with the visualization of inner Shen (spirits)) for one month, until the ominous is transformed into the auspicious.

If one has a nightmare, reverse the pillow and the quilt, stroke the heart with the left hand, knock the teeth twenty-four times, and then silently recite the incantation:

“True Mystery of the Great Cavern, refine and transform the three hun souls, causing my heart Shen (spirit) to be settled and to receive their regulation. Quickly report to the Supreme Three Primes Palace: I have just dreamed of inauspicious events, which are the seven po wandering corpses coming to connect with evil Qi. Urgently summon Taokang to protect life, and report to the Emperor Lord above; the Five Elders and Nine Perfected all guard the portals of my body. The Divine Master of the Yellow Gate and the General of the Purple Door, holding axes and battle-axes and shaking bells, eliminate the Jing (essence) of evil and heterodox forces, turning ominous matters into auspicious ones, so as to have no connection with death and disaster.”

Pray to it three times. After a while, relax the body and rest briefly; auspicious events will certainly occur. After cultivating in this way for three years, one will no longer have ordinary dreams. Even if some scene seems to appear in a dream, it will be an omen portending future good or ill fortune.

The Upper Dao of the Dongfang Palace, Second

The practitioner enters a quiet chamber, burns incense, knocks the teeth, then sits upright, settling the heart-spirit (Shen) and ceasing all thought. Visualize that within the body there is the Yellow Elder Emperor Lord (Huanglao Dijun, a venerated Daoist deity), who exhales purple Qi (vital energy) from his mouth. Inhale this Qi through the nose and swallow it thirty-five times.

It is said that cultivating in this manner can dissolve disasters of water, fire, and weapons in the Three Realms (the heavenly realm, the human world, and the netherworld), as well as all manner of calamities and sufferings among humans. It can also prolong life and restore those on the brink of death. This is akin to the “Dao of the Great Cavern Mixing with Returning Wind.” Next, visualize yourself standing beside the Yellow Elder Emperor Lord and silently recite nine chapters, totaling eighty-one chapters, repeating this nine times to complete one cycle. In this way one’s name is registered in the Three Realms, the Five Emperors (the five directional emperor lords of Daoism) assign an immortal rank, one is listed among the Perfected, and the entire body is furnished with ten thousand spirits. Then circulate the purple Qi, allowing it to spread throughout and nourish the whole body.

The Upper Dao of the Niwan Palace, Third

The practitioner enters a quiet chamber, burns incense, knocks the teeth, sits upright, settling the heart-spirit and ceasing all thought. Visualize that within the body there is the Heavenly Emperor Lord, whose form resembles a newborn infant, wearing red brocade robes and seated within the sun; recite the secret names of the Three Heavens (esoteric appellations representing deities in Daoism). This Heavenly Emperor Lord is an emanation of the Primordial Heavenly Worthy (Yuanshi Tianzun).

To the left of the Heavenly Emperor Lord is the Upper Origin Red Infant Emperor Lord, whose form also resembles a newborn infant, wearing red embroidered robes. His name is Ningzhao Tian, courtesy name Yuanxian, and he holds the Divine Tiger Talisman. To the right is the Emperor Minister, likewise appearing as an infant, wearing red floral robes. His name is Zhao Jing, courtesy name Xuansheng, and he holds the Great Cavern True Scripture (Dadong Zhenjing). The Seven Stars cover the space above, with the Dipper handle pointing forward. Within the palace purple Qi rises and soars straight upward for ninety thousand li.

The Upper Dao of the Liuzhu Palace, Fourth

The original text here contains only the title; what follows is a repetition of the concluding portion of the previous section, and the main text of this chapter is not present.

After entering the quiet chamber, burn incense and knock the teeth, sit upright so that the heart and Shen (spirit) become calm and miscellaneous thoughts subside. Visualize the “Liuzhu Zhenshen” (True Deity of Flowing Pearls) appearing; this true deity is a divided Shen of the Taishang Daojun (Most High Lord of the Dao), able to command numerous affairs, and also dwells in the palaces inhabited by the herb immortals.

The Fifth Upper Dao of the Xuandan Palace

Enter the quiet chamber, burn incense, recite the invocation, and invite the Taiyi Zhonghuang Dijun of the Ziwei Xuandan Palace. The Dijun’s taboo name is Jue Guiying, style name Bai Huayuan. He sits on a golden couch within jade curtains, wearing purple garments with fire bells at his waist, able to slay evil specters and eliminate treachery; he holds the Jing (essence) and Qi (vital energy) of the stars, a circular halo of light appearing around his neck. Sitting upright he exhales Qi, dispersing the fumes of demons and anomalies. He banquets together with the deities, condensing primordial Qi into Neidan (internal alchemy), harmonizing the hun and po souls, refining and nourishing Jing and po, so that the practitioner may preserve body and mind intact and accomplish flying immortality. The practitioner performs the rites with a sincere heart, wishing that the myriad things transform and grow, and are generated through transformation and nurturing.

Then burn incense once more and visualize a strand of purple Qi in the Northern Dipper, shaped like a rope, descending from the Dipper and entering the Xuandan Palace through the space between the eyebrows. Further visualize sunlight appearing in the mouth of the Dipper. Pray that the Dijun disperse the demonic fumes, banquet with the spirits, condense Neidan from primordial Qi, attune hun and po, refine Jing and po, enabling the cultivator to preserve body and mind whole and become a flying immortal; and with sincere heart perform the rites, wishing that all things change and grow, transform and generate.

Then one burns incense and visualizes a strand of purple Qi (vital energy) within the Northern Dipper, descending like a rope from the Dipper and entering the Mysterious Cinnabar Palace (Xuandan Gong, the inner palace visualized by the practitioner) through the space between the eyebrows. Next one visualizes a solar wheel descending from the mouth of the Dipper and entering straight into the palace between the eyebrows. In a brief moment the solar wheel transforms into purple mist that pervades the entire brain, shaped like a fire pearl.

After a while, one suddenly perceives the Lord of the Mysterious Cinnabar (Xuandan Jun, the deity invoked in this practice) descending from the mouth of the Dipper, entering the Mysterious Cinnabar Palace through the space between the eyebrows, and seating himself in the midst of the solar wheel. He is clad in a purple embroidered robe of exquisite fabric, girded with a purple embroidered floral skirt, and crowned with a purple jade dawn coronet. In his left hand he grasps the Dipper’s handle, that is, the Tiao star; in his right hand he holds the Xuan Root. The Xuan Root corresponds to the mouth of the Dipper in the Purple Forbidden Enclosure, where six stars are arrayed transversely in brilliant light; it is the sixth among them. The Lord of the Mysterious Cinnabar emits wreathing purple Qi from his mouth and wears a fire bell at his waist.

One next visualizes one’s own bodily form no larger than a lotus seed, wearing green garments and a cap, holding a tablet, and standing before the Lord of the Mysterious Cinnabar to perform nine bows. In the heart one silently intones “Guiying Huayuan,” calling it three times, then knocks the teeth nine times. After waiting quietly a moment, one visualizes the Lord of the Mysterious Cinnabar and oneself together mounting crimson Qi and entering the Golden Terrace Jade Hall inside the Northern Dipper. Within the hall are precious langgan curtains, a golden couch, and a jade stand. One bows three times to the Lord of the Mysterious Cinnabar, then kneels and swallows eighty-one mouthfuls of purple Qi.

Thereafter one visualizes the Lord of the Mysterious Cinnabar and oneself returning on purple Qi to the Mysterious Cinnabar Palace, where they sit together. One rests in the presence of the Lord of the Mysterious Cinnabar, concentrating in stillness for a considerable time. Then the “extraordinary verifications” (qibao, the special responses or signs expected during cultivation) will manifest. After waiting a further moment, one evens the respiration, concludes the quiet sitting, and departs the meditation chamber. This method is to be practiced regularly in ordinary times.

At the times of Lichun and Chunfen, the practitioner rides upon purple Qi (vital energy) to enter the Northern Dipper, arriving at the Yangming Star, and drinks nine mouthfuls of cyan Qi respectively. At Lixia and Xiazhi, they go to the Danyuan Star and drink three mouthfuls of vermilion Qi. At Liqiu and Qiufen, they proceed to the Yinjing Star and drink seven mouthfuls of white Qi respectively. At Lidong and Dongzhi, they reach the Xuanming Star and drink five mouthfuls of black Qi. At each of the four seasonal junctures, they go to the Tianguan Star and drink twelve mouthfuls of yellow Qi.

After the ceremony is completed, Taiyi (an honored deity in Daoism) returns together with the practitioner to the practitioner's own Xuandan Palace (the palatial residence within the body as referred to in inner cultivation); the practitioner then withdraws to remain in their own heart. After cultivating in this manner for eighteen years, a thousand cavalry and ten thousand carriages will come to the Tianguan Star to welcome you, enabling you to fly and ascend in the bright morning of daylight. The efficacy of this method is extremely mysterious and wondrous, capable of subduing all kinds of demonic obstacles, which cannot be described in detail one by one. In cultivating this Dao (the Way), there is no need to further practice the "Method of the Three Ones" (the cultivation method of visualizing the trinity of spirits within the body).

The Jade Instructions of the Precious Names of the Inner Spirits of the Female Four Palaces True One

Anyone who cultivates the Dao of the Highest True Ones, if they do not know the names of the inner spirits of the Female True One, will absolutely not be able to become an immortal. The seeker should first receive the oral secrets from the master, and then follow and practice according to the oral secrets.

The Divine Mother of Yuqing, surnamed Lian, named Xian, courtesy name Huangyan, has a stature of nine cun and nine fen. She wears a sash of mysterious yellow plain numinous silk, her head crowned with a seven-layered chignon of pearls and jade, and she dons the Limitless Crown of Advancing the Worthy. She resides in the Seven Treasures Mansion, Five Numina Township, Mysterious Origin Lane of the Unsurpassed Taiji (Supreme Ultimate) Pearl Palace, and from there downward administers the Jade Emperor Palace within the practitioner's body.

The True Maiden of Shangqing, surnamed Jue, named Hui, courtesy name Bilei, has a stature of six cun and six fen. She wears a sash of azure treasure divine radiance brocade that attracts nine-colored cloud mists, her head crowned with a jade treasure flying cloud chignon, and she dons the mysterious yellow Crown of Advancing the Worthy. She resides in the Unsurpassed of the Unsurpassed, the Taishang Kunlun Palace of Great Obscurity, located in the Bright Hall Mansion, Nine Lights Township, Great Transformation Lane, and from there downward administers the Heavenly Court Palace within the practitioner's body.

The Taiji Empress (the divine consort of the Taiji [Supreme Ultimate] realm) is surnamed Xuan, named Xusheng, and styled Bowu; she stands seven cun and seven fen in height. She wears a robe of dark light silk and a sash patterned with five-colored phoenixes. Her hair is arranged in a chignon like dark clouds, adorned with the seven treasures, and she wears the Wuji Jinxiang crown. She dwells in the Taiqing Jixuan Palace above Yuanjing, located in Yufang Mansion, Sandan Township, and Danyuan Ward. Within the human body she governs the Jizhen Palace.

The Taishang Consort (the divine lady of the Taishang realm) is surnamed Qian, named Hanhai, and styled Hexiansheng; she stands three cun and three fen in height. She wears a seven-treasure flying-essence mysterious-light cloud-brocade frost-gauze robe ornamented with nine-colored patterns, together with a sash. Her hair is arranged in a drooping cloud-like chignon adorned with nine-mysterious jade essence, and she wears the dark-yellow Wuji Three Treasures jade crown. She dwells in the Dongfu Jizhen Palace above the Nine Mysteries of Taiqing, located in Danjing Mansion, Yunguang Township, and Xuanxuan Ward. Within the human body she governs the Taihuang Palace.

When practicing the Way of the Mysterious Elixir and upholding the Formula of the Three Ones, one should visualize the female Zhenyi (True One) spirits of the four palaces and firmly remember their clothing, appearance, names, residences, and associated directions. The upper section of this Jing (scripture) is transmitted to those already accomplished as Zhenren (True Persons); beginners cannot grasp its essential points. This is a method secretly stored by Suling and does not circulate in the world. Anyone who receives the methods of the Upper True Ones and the Three Treasures Divine Jing, even if they have already understood the principles of numinous efficacy and probed the obscure and subtle, cannot complete the cultivation if they do not know the method of the Female True Ones. Therefore the Taishang (Most High) especially declared the strict prohibitions of this method to prevent careless leakage, and so it is not written down on paper. Those who obtain this method should first examine their own hearts, confirm their sincerity and reverence, and only then receive it.

On Zhengdan (the first day of the first lunar month), on the first of every month, on the days when Taisui is on duty, and on one’s own birthday, one must bathe, purify the mind and observe a fast, enter a quiet chamber, face east, and visualize the Female True One spirits of the four palaces. Following the descriptions given above, contemplate their directions, residences, names, clothing, colors, and heights. When this is finished, knock the teeth thirty-six times and recite:

“The Great True Yin spirits are called Female Numina. They transform in the realm of the Nine Mysteries, riding True Qi (vital energy) to conceal themselves in the secluded darkness. Each day they report to Heavenly Mystery and report the affairs of the fast to Shangqing. Held in the mind’s visualization and contemplated by the gaze, the divine brightness thoroughly examines the bodily form. Returning to the palaces they guard the dwellings, filling them with the fragrance of jade florescence. The five colors circulate and transform, revealing radiances of yellow, purple, and cyan; revolving they draw flying rosy clouds that ascend to the imperial court.”

After reciting the incantation, swallow the Qi (vital energy) thirty-six times before stopping. Cultivating in this way for nine years, a jade-like radiance will appear on the face, illuminated by the golden divine light of the Perfected Ones. The Shen (spirits) will manifest their forms and converse with you. Having seen the spirits and understood your own condition in your heart, you must be cautious and never casually transmit this to others.

The female True One deities of these four palaces are the yin divine officials who appeared at the very beginning of Heaven’s generation of all things, honored with the title “Imperial Consorts.” At that time, the primordial Qi had not yet been established, the Five Administrations had not yet opened, and light and images had not yet become accessible; there was no distinction between Extreme and Void, above and below, inner and outer, left and right, or front and back. She is the original Jing (essence) of the Most High from the initial moment, the wondrous True of the Mysterious Origin. Before the Void reached its extreme, she condensed from Qi, mixing and transforming to generate the myriad things. Heaven and Earth exist solely because of these four True deities. If one can concentrate single-mindedly on cultivation and visualization of these spirits, one can endure long without decline; even while dwelling in the precelestial realm, one can share longevity with the myriad Shen.